Foreword
“If someone calls formula sheets too much, if they call clarity and care “unprofessional,” then what does that say about what they think education is for? Because if education isn’t for our students, then who is it for?”
— Ivan Z. Feng, “Formula Sheets, We Miss You”
Math 108: Contemporary Precalculus — Prof. Felicia Y. Tabing
Page Overview: I’ve provided all the information you might need about our discussions on this page, aiming to save you the time of asking questions I should have made clear to you. (But that doesn’t mean you can’t ask me things that can be found on that page; you are still very welcome to ask me anytime!)
Discussion Notes: I’ll upload the worksheet solutions to the “Content” shell on Brightspace by 2:00 pm on every Tuesday after our discussion sessions.
Discussion Session Modality: Discussion sessions are primarily student-driven and group-based. In each session, we will work in small groups (up to four) on the weekly worksheet (which can be found on Gradescope); it serves as the main structure for the discussion. The worksheet will be submitted as a group on Gradescope by the end of the discussion session.
At the beginning of the session, we will form groups and start working right away. For most of the discussion (about 30–35 minutes), I will circulate around the room, observe group progress, answer questions when needed, and offer guidance. Students are encouraged to ask one another first and treat the discussion as a collaborative problem-solving space.
I will minimize lecturing at the board. Instead, if time allows near the end of the session (last 5–10 minutes), I may invite selected groups to share their solutions (either by writing on the board or explaining their reasoning), so we can look at the ideas collectively and address common questions.
The remaining time (5–10 minutes) can also be used for open questions about the worksheet, homework, or related topics. Students who finish early are welcome to stay and explore further questions or leave if they’re all set. I will remain available throughout the entire session (all 50 minutes).
How to Address Me: Ivan. There’s no need to call me “Mr. Feng” or “Professor Feng.” Of course, I’d never correct how you address me, as I respect your right to call me whatever you want, but, as a personal preference, “Ivan” is what I’d prefer to hear from anyone.
Email Responding: Whenever you have any math questions or comments, email me anytime at ifeng@usc.edu. For all emails received by 10 pm each day, I’ll be sure to respond within the same day (usually pretty soon, ASAP). For all emails received between 10 pm and 11:59 pm each day, I’ll be sure to respond by the next noon.
Asking Questions: As your TA, I’m your assistant and guide in this course, not a judge. I’ll do my best to help, not to evaluate your questions. To me, there are no “silly” questions; every question is a great question. If my explanations aren’t clear during office hours or by email, that’s on me, not you!
Remember, Isaac Newton asked himself a super silly and childish question in the summer of 1666: Why would an apple fall down instead of falling upwards or sideways? But that childish question finally led him to the discovery of universal gravitation. Thus, you are always welcome to ask everything in your mind, no matter whether the answer can be found on the board or in previous lecture notes. And I’d be very happy to answer anything you ask.
Or if you prefer to work independently and rely on yourself, it’s also great. There’s no single way to find answers to your questions. But, I’m asking you to preserve your curiosity well and never let it go.
Inclusive Expression: Feel free to ask questions and make comments directly, or raise your hand if that’s more comfortable for you – both ways are perfectly respected. Your insights and comments are highly valued. Expressing yourself openly contributes to a diverse and dynamic learning environment, enriching the experience for all.
Discussion Attendance: Regular attendance is important, as discussion sessions focus on working collaboratively on worksheets, learning from peer interaction, and asking questions in real time. These worksheets are submitted on Gradescope and contribute to your final grade. If you have a serious conflict and cannot attend in person, I’d appreciate you letting me know in advance, so we can communicate and plan accordingly.
Discussion Times and Location:
8:00—8:50 pm on Tue (39405 R)
9:00—9:50 pm on Tue (39406 R)
Both in THHB10
Ivan’s Office Hours*:
TBA
*You are always welcome to attend my office hours. This is my designated time to assist students, so please don’t feel hesitant—it’s what I’m here for. I’ll be waiting for you in the math center. If my hours don’t fit your schedule, feel free to schedule an appointment with me outside of my regular office hours. We can either do it in the Math Center physically or in my personal zoom room online. Send me an email so we can set up a time, and then I’ll send you my zoom link. You can find my weekly schedule here to check my availability.
Office-Hour Locations:
Math Center [KAP 263] and Zoom*
*If you want to join my office hours by Zoom, click here. The Math Center Assistant on duty will assign you to my breakout room.
Note I: As a rule of the Math Center, TAs are there for *all* students (not just their own students) when holding office hours. So you can go there anytime to do homework or get help from any TAs. And I will surely be there at least during my office hours. You can check out here the Math Center Schedules including all TAs’ office hours this semester.
Note II: The Math Center is run on a drop-in basis without appointments. Thus, if many students show up during my office hours, I’ll try to let you ask one question at a time in order of arrival (unless you have to leave soon) and then continue the cycle, to ensure everyone there has a chance to discuss questions with me instead of waiting for nothing. Feel free to give me any feedback!
Textbook: Active Prelude to Calculus by Matthew Boelkins (Click here for the content)
Math 117: Introduction to Mathematics for Business and Economics — Prof. Calum Rickard
(To be updated…)
Teaching Pages for Past Courses:
Ivan’s Medium Articles on Math Teaching
Afterword
“Our hearts an ocean, vast and deep, we bear,
A love for all, their burdens, we must share.
Each soul we nurture, with a tender hand,
In learning’s halls, united, we shall stand.”
— Ivan Z. Feng, “Thoughts on What Good Math TAs Should Be Like”
Have a Day as Amazing as You Are 🙂
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